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The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has reported that it is on "high alert" as the situation in the war-torn country remains fragile, with armed groups threatening to destabilize its capital city, Bangui.

Africa Week 2015 kicked off at Headquarters today with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commending African Member States of the United Nations for taking an “important step” this year toward the establishment of a Continental Free Trade Area envisioned in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Introducing his proposed $5.5 billion budget for the work of the United Nations over the next two years, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that it encompasses the Organization’s “vision and commitment to budget discipline and strict financial management.”

Efforts have been ramped up recently to mitigate the impact of floods and droughts in Somalia driven by the El Niño phenomenon between now and December, which may worsen the food security and humanitarian situations, the United Nations has said, while stressing the urgent need for more financial support to continue its relief work in the country.

A new report on women, peace and security, launched today to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the landmark United Nations Security Council resolution on the issue, highlights the important gains to be made by the greater empowerment of women in peacebuilding efforts.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply troubled and saddened over today’s killing in Kandahar of Ms. Toorpaki Ulfat, a staff member of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

During a two-day mission to Greece – the main European Union entry point for nearly 450,000 refugees and migrants so far this year – the United Nations’ most senior refugee official said he had witnessed the improved humanitarian response mounted by Greek local authorities and civil society while lamenting the continued lack of a large-scale and effective European response.

The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today welcomed as a “significant step” an order by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement known as JEM that prohibits the recruitment and use of children in its ranks.

Deeply alarmed by the escalating violence and widespread loss of civilian life in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) today called for strong and immediate political action and accountability to stem the ongoing violence and prevent its further escalation.

Twenty-two Member States of the United Nations are planning to pledge $100 million dollars to support next year’s budget of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) which provides educational, health, relief and social services for some five million such refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza.